Toulouse €2m offer for Niko Sigur rejected, Celtic wait for Conference League outcome
French offer placed for Niko Sigur but quickly rejected, Celtic will have to move later this week to get their transfer target…
Reported Celtic target Niko Sigur was left out of Hajduk Split’s squad for Sundays 4-0 win over NK Osijek.
It was suggested that Sigur was left out due to a minor injury, but it’s since been revealed that French side Toulouse who are managed by former Motherwell and reported Celtic managerial target Jens Berthel Askou have made an offer for the 22 year old, according to a Croatian Sports outlet.
Celtic were said to have been monitoring the versatile Canadian international since the January transfer window, with talks of a bid and talks having already been opened with both Split and Sigur.
Sigur who is an international teammate of Alistair Johnston, made three appearances for Canada at the recent World Cup finals, and although a defensive midfielder, he can operate just as efficiently at right back, so would be an ideal replacement for Johnston who is currently sidelined through injury until November.
It was believed that Split were rebuffing offers for the 22 year old until they where assured of a place in the Conference League group stages.
But after a 2-2 stalemate in Poland against Rakow Czestochowa, the second leg in Split this coming Thursday is evenly poised, so Toulouse’s out of the blue bid might tempt the Croatians into cashing in on the player who is contracted until 2028.
Celtic are of course in the market for a midfielder, especially hot on the heels of the departure of Arne Engels who recently joined West Ham in a £25 million deal.
The fact that Sigur can also operate at right back is also a plus giving the injury to Alistair Johnston, so he is very much an attractive option for Martin O’Neill as he looks to strengthen his side.
Celtic will need to act fast if they want their man however, especially with Toulouse making a concrete offer of €2m for the player.
As reported earlier on Celtic Shorts, this initial offer has been REJECTED and Celtic are quoted as being in pole position for the player as things currently stand.
The Croatian Football account provided this update this morning on this transfer story as it develops.
‘Hajduk are reportedly not even considering a €2M offer from Toulouse for Niko Sigur, with the club valuing the 22-year-old at €3-4m. Celtic also come to Hajduk with a €2.5M offer. His future should be decided after the Raków tie.’
Celtic will know their own European fate ahead of Hajduk and can make their move for the Sigur who could be at Lennoxtown by the end of the week. Fingers crossed that Celtic will make it through to the Champions League proper tomorrow night in Linz with the Scottish Champions holding a 3-0 first leg advantage over LASK.
